The Jerseys of the Tour

Presentation

THE TOUR DE FRANCE JERSEYS

The iconic Tour de France race will see the French manufacturer honour the English county of Yorkshire, which will be hosting the Grand Départ in July 2014.

DESIGN
The 1951 first historic flat seamed collared Yellow Jersey from le coq sportif is re-interpreted for the 2014 edition with the famous white rose of Yorkshire – a touch of originality that will unite perfectly alongside the velvety, flocked le coq sportif logo and the initials of the founder of the Tour de France, Henri Desgrange.These two uniquely French signatures are joined by an inscription on the back of the jersey, also in French, dedicated to Desgrange and stating: “En 1903, Henri Desgrange créait le plus grand évènement cycliste de tous les temps “ (In 1903, Henri Desgrange created the greatest cycling event of all time). The inside of the collar is lined with the little triangles so dear to le coq sportif’s heart and the tricolour label on the back adds the French signature finishing touch to the 2014 jersey.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & EXPERTISE
The 2014 Yellow Jersey is constructed from a mixture of high tech materials that ensure it is ultra-light and are demonstrated in aerodynamic properties such as; the front panel, the anatomical cut that fits the rider’s body perfectly, and a transparent silicone band printed with the famous le coq sportif initials with multi-triangle motif on the back of the jersey at the bottom.

This season, the bands on the bottom front of the jersey and inside the sleeve-edges are made of polyurethane, ensuring they stay perfectly in place and stop any air getting in. The sleeves are cut from a single, supple and seamless piece of elastane-mix fabric to further increase rider comfort, and stop just below the triceps, avoiding all pressure points so as to improve blood flow in the arms.

Additional key details include a mid-length zip to improve airflow, which is also helped by two ventilation panels in the back. A triangular one at the nape of the neck, made of ultra-breathable 3D mesh, is joined to a second micro-aerated mesh panel across the back. All these features are designed to regulate the rider’s temperature in the varied weather conditions, reducing energy expenditure. Last but not least, the jersey boasts only flat, non-irritating seams.

For this new season of sport, le coq sportif has once again combined expertise with a spirit of path-breaking innovation in its efforts to offer Tour de France champions a daring fusion of advanced technology and style.

Green jersey

The green jersey was created in 1953 for the 50th anniversary of the race. It brought a new interest to the race, the yellow jersey not being the only jersey at stake any longer. The first green jersey in history was held by Swiss Fritz Schaer. It is worn by the leader of the points classification. Points are being awarded in the intermediate sprints and the stage finishes.

White jersey

It was created in 1975. In 1988, the jersey was abandoned, but not the best young rider classification.

The white jersey was reintroduced in the peloton in 2000. It rewards the best-placed under-25 rider in the overall standings. The jersey revealed some of the best talents in the sport – Denis Menchov in 2003, Alberto Contador in 2007, Andy Schleck from 2008 and 2010, Pierre Rolland in 2012.

LE COQ SPORTIF STEPS IN THE GRANDE BOUCLE

1953

LOUISON BOBET

Louison Bobet reigns on the cycling world with Coppi in the first half of the 50s.

Popular and brave champion, he wins the first Tour de France of his career in 1953, his 6th participation. In the picture, Louison doing his first lap of honour at the Parc des Princes for the 50th anniversary of the Tour.

1961

JACQUES ANQUETIL X RAYMOND POULIDOR

Four years after his first victory, Jacques Anquetil takes part to the Tour for the fourth time.

Anquetil declares that he wants to take up the challenge of wearing the yellow jersey from the first to the last phase of the contest, something he will indeed achieve.

1964

Forever the runner up of the Tour de France behind Jacques Anquetil in the 60s and then behind Eddy Merckx in the 70s, Poulidor "Poupou" enjoys a great popularity with the French public. He never wore the yellow jersey, failing by a handful of seconds, 14 exactly, on the summit of the Puy de Dome in 1964. He was neck and neck with Anquetil during the entire ascent only to fail at the top, in what is still nowadays a cult Tour de France duel.

1969

EDDY MERCKX

During the Tour de France 1969, Eddy Merckx takes cyclism to a new age after his incredible performance in the ride to Mourenx. He is already the leader of the Tour by far, the Belgian rider, also nicknamed "The Cannibal", affords himself a solo break away over 140 km to win with 8 minutes over his challengers. He wins the first of his five Tour de France.

1975

1979

1984

1986

1988

« Tous en jaune ! », la Fête du Tour dans le Grand Nancy

PEDRO DELGADO

During his first victory on the Tour in 1986, Bernard Hinault is his team mate but also his greatest opponent with the two men finishing at the top of the ranking. On this stage leading to the Alpe d'Huez, the two men lose their adversaries and arrive hand in hand to the top.